Most Certainly Not

Let's Sharpen Our Pencils...

MAJOR (can no longer call him CPT Z) Z, who blogs at From My Position On the Way! and whose efforts led to Project Valour-IT, has an awesome post to provide you with a way to send some love to some very deserving troops spending their holidays in Walter Reed.

Chuck, who is a tell-it-like-it-is and how-it-should-be milblogger and whose wife Carren is a gem among women, is set for his own surgery (#34) in early February.  Chuck had the opportunity to meet three guys from Ward 57 who agreed to let him post their photos, their stories and their addresses.

I expect you will want to click on over to Chuck's place so you can copy down their addresses and send them some hugs in an envelope.  As Chuck so eloquently writes, "Folks, these guys (and their families) are going to spend one of the greatest holidays in the worst places--because they served you and kept you safe." 

Even though it is after Christmas, it is never too late to send a big thank you and well wishes to these heroes.  And, if you're at home with kids who are not in school as I am, you're LOOKING for ways to keep their hands busy.  A little artwork goes a long way to preventing a battle royale over the Baby Alive, let me tell you!

What are you waiting for????  Get clicking!

A Christmas Catch-All

In case you missed it in the comments below, one of the moms whose Marine son made it home to Colorado because of the kindness of a fellow veteran visited us:

I love your spirit as well! I cried crocodile tears when I got the call from my son saying they were only 4 hours from home...driven by a complete stranger from San Francisco to Centennial, CO. Thank you for posting the story on your site. It warms my heart up more to see all the people that this story touched. May God continue to bless you and your family. Again, thank you for taking the time to post this. You are a blessing.

God Bless,
Stacey Kible

Thanks for stopping by, Stacey and a BIG thank you to your son and your family for your service to our great nation.  :)

What an awesome Christmas gift that must have been for this family!  I know in our own, securing the safe arrival home of our new Marine was a BIG DEAL and we had just seen him in October.  I can't imagine the frustration of Mother Nature dealing a heavy blow and having your loved one just a few states over with no way to make it home.  And, then, the Knight in Shining Armor (or at least a pretty clean mini-van) riding to that loved one's rescue.  I imagine there are lots of shiny jewels being added to that Navy vet's crown in light of his good deeds!

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Things are returning to normal around the house.  We're surviving the daily battle royales known as "sisterly affection" and M1 is becoming more adept at the Battleship board game.  M2 has been kicking some major tail in the Hi-Ho Cherry-O matches.  I have been trying to organize the Christmas loot into house without a great deal of success!  It will find its place, I'm sure, just maybe not today.

I almost forgot to post the two latest additions to my 'collection' of Le Creuset things.  Hubs outdid himself! 

First, he ordered this teapot and although it didn't arrive until yesterday, it was well received given that I only mentioned in passing that my old, cheap teapot was on its last leg.  This teapot is so pretty and heavy duty.  It looks pretty sharp sitting on my flat-top range! 

Next, Hubs visited a culinary supply store ( I know! ) to find a 9 x 13 stoneware baker. 

This one is very similar to the one he found for me, however, he picked out the one with the new design for '07.  It has a basketweave braid around the upper portion of the pan.  VERY pretty and cannot WAIT to make lasagna in it!  Oh, and for the information of the chick who sold a rectangular pan on e-bay as a "lasagna pan" and when it arrived it was a 7 x 5 pan I can barely bake one apple in, THIS is a lasagna pan.

I see that Amazon.com is offering a huge discount on Le Creuset items...I'll let you know if any of them find their way to my cupboard!

Sharing Some Christmas Spirit

This story made me cry big crocodile tears all over my keyboard.  H/T to Michelle Malkin for drawing my attention to it.  You will want to read EVERY word about how a stranger at a California airport helped four young Marines make it into snowbound Colorado after their flights were all but canceled.

My family is smiling a little more broadly today thinking about the veteran's family we learned about through Soldiers' Angels who needed some help this Christmas.  The 18-year-old son had contacted SA without his family's knowledge, explained their situation, asked for help and almost mentioned he had a 7-year-old sister.  Lots of Angels replied to the care coordinator with offers of help for the family.  I, however, couldn't get that little girl out of my mind.  Life had dealt this little girl some harsh lessons already -- her dad was injured stateside and unable to resume his trucking job, her mom was responsible for the family's income and had a car that was in disrepair, and her brother was working hard to bring in some money while attending vocational school.  It may sound naive, but to me, the LAST time of year a kid should be learning hard lessons is at Christmas time.  And, if there is a chance for me to keep that from happening, I'm all over it. 

While other Angels scrambled to fulfill the bigger needs, I set about taking care of this girl and her brother.  I enlisted the help of my mom and a handful of law school friends.  What we were able to do exceeded my expectations and it was a great feeling sending off the boxes.  I hope the parents are breathing a little easier today and that the kids enjoy Christmas morning tomorrow.

We are looking forward to Christmas Eve festivities tonight...just the four of us.  Tomorrow, after we open our gifts, we will head to our hometown for the general chaos that invades every holiday we ever do at "home."  Looking forward to seeing my little cousin whose been a Marine for almost two months now!  Also looking forward to seeing my little nephew who will be 3 soon.  My grandmother turned 87 on the 20th and I  KNOW she'll be excited to see the kids!

If I'm not here prior to the dawning of Christmas morning, MERRY CHRISTMAS to you & yours!!!  Thanks for stopping by and be sure to come back soon!

Back on the Holiday Track!

Hubs came home at a decent time and I was able to leave the house in search of my shopping gene, my remaining gifts on the list, and my holiday spirit.  Check, check and CHECK!  On my way to Target, I heard a Christmas song that I love, but had not heard last year.  This was the first time I'd heard it this year as well and it made me cry.  Very cathartic to cry on the way to Target, don'tcha think?

M2 is under the weather again.  She had not complained about anything, but last night told me her ear was "itchy".  I didn't like the sound of that and am thankful I took her to the doctor today.  Lots of prescriptions to try and have us on the mend by Monday!  We're taking it easy tomorrow as well so that should help.

Kohl's had their Wilton Gingerbread House sets at 50% off tonight.  M1 had asked for one earlier in the day when we saw them at Cracker Barrel, but only 20% off and not quite as 'attractive' at that price.  But, for $7.50, I think Mommy can splurge for a house to decorate...especially after I saw that the house is fully assembled and all we do is decorate.  That's MY kind of gingerbread house!

It will be wrap-a-pa-looza around here tomorrow!  I *think* I probably should have bought tape tonight at Target!  Ha-ha!

I Elfed Myself

This was really fun and it made me laugh out loud.

Check me out!  I'm ELFED!!

Oh, my gosh!  I can't stop!  Here's M2 as an Elf.

And, M1 as an Elf.

My Power Shopping Gene is Gone

I'll be damned if law school hasn't completely destroyed the ONE decently fun take away I snagged from the swirly, gurgling gene pool from which I sprang.  My power shopping gene is hiding...or it's simply been destroyed from lack of use.  The last 48 hours have been ridiculouly exhausting and I have almost nothing to show for it.  The problem is Christmas will still be here on Monday whether I'm ready or not.  Honestly, I miss my childhood Christmases very, very much and I wish I had the opportunity to create those kinds of memories for my girls. 

I had my great-grandparents until I was a teenager.  As people marry later and later (if at all), those types of family relationships and chances for generational holiday magic dwindle.  I spent every Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from the time I was born until I was driving in the same, exact way.  I loved it.

This year has been particularly difficult because of school.  Nothing is the same.  Granted, Hubs' attitude to all things holiday remains the same...it goes something like, "Yeah, sounds good.  Let me know how it turns out."  That means my workload remains the same while my time is exponentially limited.  I'd like to think I'd be able to do it all, but I'm OLD and I'm tired.  Plus, M2 visited the doctor today after telling me last night her ear was "itchy" inside...a blazingly bad ear infection just in time for Christmas!  So, no babysitter today and I had two disgruntled tag-a-longs for my shopping trip where I struck out at EVERY turn.  The boys in brown are working long and hard this week so I might make it to the stores before they close at 10 and 11. 

The demands on our time began a couple weeks ago...everyone wants to know where we are, when we're coming home; how long we can stay; when we'll be back; and all that  jazz.  And, once answered, these questions are still asked every single time we speak with the inquisition team members.  It's maddening.

Once I see some success at the stores, I'm SURE I'll be a little more merry and bright, but right now...I need a nap!

Go ahead...fill my comments telling me how you're ready to rock 'n roll this holiday season!  I promise not to be too jealous.

*Sniff* *Sniff* UPDATE!!

This article isn't written with very much in they way of emotion, but for those who have dreamed this or lived it or can imagine it in their minds, it packs a punch!

A kindergartener receives a big pre-Christmas surprise.

UPDATE:  Revamped, fleshed out article complete with the emotion and photos that the original was missing.  Enjoy!!

Photo:  Enquirer/Gary Landers

Oh, What Fun...

How fun will these little gadgets be this holiday season?  Exhibit A, the pretend toaster complete with bread.  VERY much in demand for any little chef wannabe of which I have two.  If you haven't checked out this awesome site, you should.  Lots of great deals, good customer service and a TON of stuff to look at each visit.

And, what mini-kitchen would be complete without a Tub o' Grub?  Not ours!  This very realistic set of pretend food looks a lot like the one M2 has in her classroom.  She love the realistic looking glasses of juice and milk.  And, even though she is Miss Persnickity she would eat everything single thing in this particular tub, including the egg.

When M2 arrived, the doctor bag M1 had was tired and missing almost all it's pieces and parts.  By the time M2 was old enough to want to use the doctor bag, the situation was only worse!  M2 will be practicing her medical skills on every baby doll in the house very soon thanks to this sly little purchase.  If it weren't for this little set, who KNOWS when I'd have time for a check-up?

And, if you grew up in the 70's and 80's, chances are you remember

the super cool water games where you tried your best at tic-tac-toe or putting rings over a dolphin's nose.  These toys were great, even in the car, and M2 has taken an interest in one I purchased for M1 a couple Christmases ago.  She'll be opening some of her own in a week.  I bought two because inevitably Hubs will feel the need to play these even when the girls want to!

Just a little preview to show you that YES I have actually begun my Christmas shopping!  Oh, and the BEST part...wait for it...

YES!!!  It's Hi-Ho-Cherry-O.  God, I loved that game as a kid!  We've also found a Mr. Mouth game (very different from the Pac-Man esque Mr. Mouth of the late 70's, early 80's, but will still be fun). 

M1 is a new Mommy to a VERY freaky Baby Alive doll.  Let's just say it's a little more high-tech (and dare I say POSSESSED?!?!?) than the one I had back in the day, but the results are the same.  Our Baby Alive's name is Susie, but we affectionately call her "Baby Craps Alot" behind her back.

Hope your shopping is going well.  And, if you're in the neighborhood, you're welcome to stop by for a check-up, a game of hi-ho-cherry-o and some quality time with Baby Alive Susie.  :)

And Then There Was One...

I took my torts exam today.  2 hours, 80 multiple-choice questions.  I haven't any earthly idea how it went...I hope I don't end up with a D or C, but you never know.  At any rate, I'm flushing any knowledge I have of torts (should NOT take long) and moving on to cramming my brain full of contracts.  I plan to take that exam on Wednesday and then attempt to shop and engage in the requisite holiday merriment.

Last night was a long one and I feel hungover today.  M1 needed to spend some quality time with her Mommy and her Mommy's shoulder last night.  No need to wonder for a second whether I sat with her or my flashcards, is there?  I wouldn't want to violate my client's confidentiality being a professional in training and all, but I can say that M1's dad is planning to make some major life changes very soon that will allow him to file joint tax returns once again.  And, of course, there are issues at hand.  M1 is so astute and her level of thought far exceeds what an 8-year-old should be able to think.  And, all the moms know how even after the upset little one falls asleep, YOU don't.  It was a wide-eyed night last night and I could really use a nap!  But, just remember my little one's heart when you talk to the Big Guy, would you?

The Christmas lists are shaping up...Hubs visited Toys 'r Us (a.k.a. the 4th ring of Hell) last night to pick up a few things, I ordered some items on-line (lovely expedited shipping fees!) and I'm planning a run to the outlet mall on Thursday.  Phew!

Okay, back to offer, acceptance, consideration and damages...

Is It Possible?? I Heart Danny Bonaduce??

Can this even be so?  YES, I remember the Patridge Family and I was always a big fan of Keith Partridge even though he was WAY too old for me.  Actually, I had the hots of Shaun Cassidy and thought going through David might move me one step closer to the grand prize.  And, yes, I was in first grade.  Failure to plan is planning to fail, people.

But, I digress.

Came across this video today (H/T Junkyard Blog and Hot Air) and I have never been more entertained.  They've bleeped the language but the picture is quite clear.  And, Danny, I was TOTALLY taking your wife's side anytime I caught "Breaking Bonaduce" on VH-1, but sweetie, I may reconsider...you have a good head on your shoulders and a good heart.  *Smooch*